REUTERS, OTTAWA - The lead singer of the popular Canadian band the Barenaked Ladies will fight a recent cocaine charge in the United States, the band said in a statement posted on its website on Thursday.

Steven Page was arrested last Friday in an apartment in Fayetteville, New York, and charged with possession of a controlled substance. Court documents show Page allegedly told police "Yeah, it's cocaine", when asked about a white powdery substance in his possession.

Page, 38, posted $10,000 (4,985 pounds) bail and is due back in court late next month.

"Many of you have probably read or heard press accounts about Steven Page's recent arrest in New York state. Steven has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and the validity of the charges against Steven will be strongly contested," the band statement said.

The five-man group is best known for hit songs such as "One Week", "Pinch Me", and "If I Had a Million Dollars". It has just released an album of songs for youngsters and next month is due to play at a Long Island, New York, children's charity concert organized by Walt Disney Co.

"While this is happening, it's business as usual for Barenaked Ladies. We will continue to perform and look forward to heading into the studio later this year to record a new album. We want to thank our loyal fans for their continued support during this difficult time," the statement said.